Kutahya, Turkey

Capital City

With a population of 266,784, Kütahya is hardly the quaint Turkish town one might expect. The region's large tile and ceramic industry dominates the local economy, but the bureaucratic headaches are a persistent annoyance. Winters are chilly and wet, with temperatures plummeting to -28°C, while summers offer some relief at a balmy 41°C. For those drawn to the city's historic architecture and renowned ceramics, Kütahya may be worth a look, but the harsh climate and entrenched bureaucracy are not for the faint of heart.